Page 44: of Marine News Magazine (October 2014)

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COMMUNICATIONS communication between the Vessel Operator and the Para- medics providing patient care.” Communications are con- ducted with the Marine Incident Command Center and with the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as other rescue and law enforcement vessels. Paramedics also have the ability to contact the ER for physician orders and the Medical

Helicopter if the patient requires Medivac.

The City of Marco Island Fire Rescue Department was fi rst exposed to the David Clark solution when David

Clark’s Bob Carroll made a visit with a demo set and tested the system on their Fireboat. Byrnes told MarineNews in

September, “After that evaluation we were convinced and made our decision to purchase DC.”

The System was fi rst installed in July 2014 by the de- partment’s fi re apparatus mechanic, and the install posed some challenges due to radio cable compatibility. That said; the support from Bob Carroll and David Clark fac- tory Engineers was – in Byrne’s words “outstanding” – and they quickly ironed out all the kinks. Once installed, Da- vid Clark provided initial support to ensure that all crew members were well-versed in the equipment’s operation.

While some customers might be satisfi ed with the wired options, Byrne says, “Wireless was our only option.

The wireless product allows our personnel to freely move around our vessel while maintaining communications. It provides us the ability to have a crew member / paramedic board another vessel to evaluate a patient and relay infor- mation and needs to the Fireboat.” In the end, this im- proves situational awareness and incident preparedness.

Real Life; Real Applications

The Marco Island team recently responded to a near drowning on a remote Island south of the City. According to

Byrne, the incident occurred during inclement weather creat- ing strong wave action. The patient was located on the beach, however due to the condition of the waves breaking on the beach, the vessel had to maintain a safe distance offshore. De- ploying one fi refi ghter paramedic into the water with a head- set to the beach, communications were quickly established, a medical assessment of the patient was performed and the

Series 9500 Workboat Intercom: For the extremely demanding requirements of those who work on the water. Currently being used by numerous agencies concerned with homeland security. Accommodates up to eight crewmembers and three mobile radios while providing hearing protection for all. Every crewmember may have access to radio transmit and receive.

Series 9800 "Go-Fast" Intercom: Helps to maximize the thrill of high-speed performance boating by providing crisp and clear communication between crew and passengers. Accommodates up to six headsets with radio transmit and receive for two crewmembers. For those who play on the water, an auxil- iary stereo input and stereo headsets serve to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the ride.

Series 9900 Wireless Intercom: Adapts to either 9500 or 9800 Series systems to add the freedom of mobility without being tethered to a wired system.

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